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[Mlamlah]

So i've been having some kinda crappy depression and anxiety issues for a while now, and until very recently things had taken a turn for the better. Mostly because I began to take some initiative in my life and try to change it for the better.
However, a string of events and circumstances of the past two weeks have brought on distressing panic attacks and an inability to cope with things that should otherwise be on the "suck it up" section of the social distress meter. It's brought to light that I can't really cope with my issues as I have been with any degree of consistency, and is bringing up all sorts of issues that I quite simply cannot afford to deal with right now.

Anyway, I was hoping that anyone with experience with taking anxiety meds could help give me some first hand knowledge of any experiences they've had with them, good or bad.

[Jimmy]

First, don't consider medication as the cure for anxiety. It's an important first step, but any treatment should include multiple approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy and non-pharmaceutical treatment options.

Second, approach the use of benzodiazepines with caution. This class of medication includes Valium, Xanax, and other fast acting sedatives. While traditionally used for anxiety treatment, modern guidelines for anxiety recommend these be reserved for use when alternatives fail and only as a short term treatment for severe cases. This is because of their high potential for addiction and physical dependence.

Start by discussing your troubles with your doctor. Call up, ask for a long appointment so that you're not rushed, and get some individual one on one communication happening. Depending on your personal circumstances your GP may recommend prescription medications or start with non-pharmaceutical treatments instead.

I strongly suggest reading some information on the following patient support website to get an idea of what many doctors will consider when asked about anxiety treatments.

http://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety

[Stargrasper]

Modern mental health tends to be treated with drug therapy, with the average doctor appointments be 15 minutes to check and potentially change drugs.  But the first appointment isn't average.  It will probably be a longer appointment to talk about anxiety in general and get quite a bit of help.  Your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist or other individual better trained to help you with this.  Oh, they'll probably give you drugs, but they'll tell you right off that drugs will do little to nothing on their own and behavioral therapy and exercises.

And do try to be careful about self-diagnoses.